You've finished your last final, packed your bags, and are headed home for the holidays to enjoy a much needed (and well-deserved) break from school. Congratulations! You made it through the semester!
As a freshman, this semester involved me learning much more than just material for class. In my first semester of college, I've learned that:
1. College is still not the real world.
I always pictured college as being my first taste of what the real world was like. Then I actually went to college. College affords me much more independence and responsibility than high school ever could, but it's still not the real world. Not yet, anyway. I still don't pay monthly bills, work a full-time job, or understand how to file taxes. I've got three more years to figure out how to do that stuff. Right now, I just need to figure out how to pass next semester.
2. 'C's Get Degrees' is actually very true.
I'm a grade-grubber. Always have been and always will be. But it's far more difficult to pull off straight A's in college than it was in high school. That's not to say you should slack your way through the semester, but it's better to pass with a C than to fail and have to re-take a class. I've learned to be a little less hard on myself with grades and accept that one bad grade won't destroy my chances of having a successful career.
3. Communal living is...well, it is.
Within my first month of college, I knew communal living was a somewhat difficult experience. Between fighting over washers and dryers, flooded bathrooms and noisy neighbors, communal living wasn't all that great. Now that it's been four months, I realize communal living is actually hell on wheels, especially when it's 2 a.m. and punk-rock is BLASTING from the room upstairs. Quiet hours exist for a reason, you know. But even amidst some absolutely horrible days, communal living is really enjoyable, especially when you love your hall-mates as much as I love mine.
4. Dining Hall food is sub-par on a good day.
The Dining Hall seems like it'd be a really cool place: lots of food, all you can eat, no one to tell you not to eat an entire pizza on your own; the list goes on. At first, the Dining Hall is pretty cool and the food seems to be decent. Then you have your first off-campus meal and suddenly the Dining Hall just can't compare. What's worse is when it's Chinese food night, and a few hours later everyone is living in the bathroom expelling their guts. Lovely, right?
5. Alone-time can be hard to get.
On an average day, I get maybe an hour to myself. When I'm not in my room, I'm in class, and when I'm not in class I'm in a club, and when I'm not in a club I'm doing homework. The few times in between, when there's (miraculously) no homework or club meetings to attend, I know my roommate or hall-mates or friends from around campus will be around to not leave me alone. Sometimes all I want is a few hours to myself to relax, but those few hours can be really hard to come by. Eventually you just get used to having other people around all the time.
6. Study, study, study.
Study, study, study, study some more, study. Did I mention study? Seriously, study for everything. Even if you think you don't need to study, go study. Somehow EVERYTHING shows up on exam day, and it sucks when you realize, "Oh wait, I didn't study that." Just study. All the time. Study.
7. College is what you make of it.
In my first semester of college, I've seen twelve theatrical performances, had my writing published, been cast in five productions, and wrote/directed my own program. I've never been one to sit still, and college has served as a playground for my creative mind. All too many people complain about the lack of opportunity at college, when really opportunity is right at their fingertips. I'm really proud of all the things I've done this semester and realize college is an incredible place for me to learn, grow, and explore my interests.
8. You'll meet your best friends in college.
Even though I've only known them for four months, I can tell the people I'm close friends with are people that I'll be close friends with for life. I love ya, fam.
9. Now's the time to be young and foolish.
And the best part is no one will blame you for it! Society assumes that college kids are still 'figuring things out,' so take advantage of it! Go to that party, go on that Tinder date, or dye your hair pink! College is the perfect time to try out all the crazy stuff you've never been brave enough to try, and there are few repercussions if things go wrong. Be safe, be smart, but have a good time.
10. College is AWESOME.
Sure, it has it's downsides, but as a whole college is amazing. It's both the scariest and most fun thing I've ever done. College is awesome, hands down.
